WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- J.C. Hayward and the Options Public Charter School have reached a settlement, according to the Office of the Attorney General. The District has agreed to dismiss all claims in the civil lawsuit against Hayward in exchange for the longtime WUSA9 anchor repaying $8,500 to the Options Public Charter School.
The settlement agreement does not have an admission of liability or any exoneration. In addition, the Office of the Attorney General said that the agreement does not mean this is the end of the case. The case will be continued against the other defendants involved in the lawsuit, who are accused of mishandling $2.8 million in District funds.
The $8,500 payment accounts for the total amount of money Hayward allegedly received. Her attorney said the funds she agreed to repay were for money she received as a board member and that those payments were approved by a school attorney. Legal action can be pursued against Hayward again if the Office of Attorney General learns that she received more than $8,500 from the other defendants involved in the incident.
Hayward's attorney released the following statement:
"After 22 months, the District of Columbia's Attorney General has dismissed the case involving Options Public Charter School against J.C. Hayward, former long-time beloved anchor of WUSA-Ch. 9 news. Ms. Hayward has always disputed these claims from the beginning and has professed her profound commitment to helping at-risk young people in the Metropolitan Washington D.C. area. After an illustrious and successful 45 year career in journalism, Ms. Hayward retired in January, 2015. She is now in the process of setting up a scholarship endowment in perpetuity for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington. Ms. Hayward is delighted that she will be able to leave a lasting legacy. This lawsuit closes a small chapter in her life."
Hayward retired from WUSA9 in January after 43 years. She had been off the air since the allegations in 2013.
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